Improvement strategies for farming systems in the Eastern Highlands of Ethiopia
识别了埃塞俄比亚东部高地的11种农业系统，并用线性规划模型评估了资源重新分配和技术引进对农场经济表现的改进效果。
ABSTRACT Eleven distinct farming systems were distinguished, based on selected indicators and locations. The indicators involve the resource basis, cropping pattern and intensity, and the major activities including off‐farm work. Statistical tests were used to verify the differences. Accounting for the given constraints and for the interdependences of the system's components, strategies are developed to improve their poor economic performance. A linear programming model is used to evaluate the effects on farm performance of (a) reallocating the existing farm resources, and (b) introduction of improved technologies. The type of relationship among the elements of the farming system determines the overall outcome of any improvement effort. Groundnut and livestock production are highly competitive. A package of technological innovations is needed to achieve a major improvement on the smallest farms.